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Newly filed lawsuits challenges the discriminatory treatment of same-sex couples under state law

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, lauds Lambda Legal and the ACLU for filing coordinated lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of Illinois disparate treatment of same-sex couples under state law. The cases, limited to the state of Illinois, seek recognition from the courts of the inferior status of civil unions.

“Thank you to the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and most importantly to the courageous couples who have made their stories public in order to achieve equality for all same-sex couples in Illinois ,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “These laws suits are a critical step on our journey. ”

HRC will continue to work in coalition with advocates in the state, such as Equality Illinois, to advance marriage equality legislation in the state House and Senate. Both the lawsuits and legislation promote critical conversations on the impact of discriminatory laws on same-sex couples and their families. Pursuing two strategies increases the odds of success in Illinois.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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To contact HRC please visit our contact us page. If you are a member of the media, you can reach our press office at: (202) 772-3889 or email press@hrc.org.

Top 5 Things to Know About LGBT Issues

There are roughly 9 million LGBT people in the US and more than 650,000 same-sex couples.

19% of same-sex couples are raising children according to the US Census Bureau's 2011 American Community Survey.

There is no federal law that consistently protects LGBT individuals from employment discrimination; there are no state laws in 29 states that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in 32 states that do so based on gender identity.